Biking the Central Otago Rail Trail - exploring Ophir

After a day on the bikes we settled in to Omakau hotel and awaited our pick up from the Pitches store courtesy coach. 

We were able to have an hour exploring Ophir before dinner. What a stunning little town.  

First photo is of the post and telegraph office which is still an operational post office. 

Next door is the Peace Memorial Hall. 

The jail was pretty cute too, as was our prisoner Becky!

Across the street was my favourite building of them all, 'The Old Drapery Shop'. I was intrigued  mainly because I would love to know what my Mum's store in Roslyn looked like. She had Ms Kean's Seamstress Shop. What I would give to find records of this or see photos of this. Anyway, back to this store, it is well worth a visit and take time peering in the windows.

The next photo is of Pitches Store, where we were to shortly return for dinner. 

I loved the door on the next building. It is great to see how original it is. 

Next photo is of the bank which is now accommodation. 

I had to reach up high to get a photo of this cutie over the fence. 

This stone creekway is intriguing. It reminds me of the efforts that are being made to restore the old stone pavements in Naseby. We really do owe so much to our early pioneers. 

I have visited this building many times. It is often open as a craft and second hand store. 

This building also used to be open as a second hand store, but now has been converted back to accomodation. 

These cute little cottages are delightful. 

I do have a fascination with doors and these two are quite special. 

As the sun set we headed back to Pitches Store for a stunning dinner. The lampshades are stunning as are many of the decorations and additions to the Store. The bottles and glass retrieved from the Pit are displayed in front of the counter. 

Although I found the presentation bizarre, my Salmon was delicious. 

A stunning dessert wine and lemon meringue pie rounded off a simply awesome dining experience. I can thoroughly recommend a meal at Pitches Store. 

It is not surprising at all that they proudly display a number of awards. 

Back in the courtesy coach across to Omakau for a much needed early night, and a great sleep indeed. 

A stunning day indeed thanks Becky and Martin. Looking forward to more again tomorrow. 

Biking the Central Otago Rail Trail with Becky and Martin

For the longest time I have tagged Becky in posts about the Rail Trail and finally the day arrived, when Becky and Martin came to Naseby and we headed off on the trail. 

Colin Faulkner from 219 e-bike picked us up from Naseby and off we went in the glorious autumn sunshine. 

He dropped us at Oturehua and we explored the little town. I was fascinated to explore Gilchrist's store as I have never stopped there. What a treasure trove and what a blast from the past. 

Onto our bikes and away we went to our first coffee stop at Hayes Engineering, and a jolly good coffee it was too! 

Back on the bikes and off we went down the Ida Valley heading for Auripo. We past the Ida Burn dam, and stopped for multiple photos along the way. We loved the information in all the railway sheds. I especially liked learning the story of the beautiful apple trees all the way along the trail, grown from passengers cast offs, out the window as they travelled by rail all those years ago. Martin kindly picked us delicious heritage apples - YUM!

At Auripo we saw many families stopped for picnic lunches. We took the opportunity for photos on the hill beside the track. Becky, you sure do take great photos. 

Looking through the photos I am reminded yet again of the transformation that F45 has been. I thoroughly enjoyed the biking and felt fit and healthy biking even on the inclines. I have to say I was exceedingly grateful to be biking the downhill leg though. 

The weather was exceptional. I biked in a singlet top and truly got a little bit of autumn sun on my skin. The cloud formations were spectacular and we felt truly grateful for the sites, sounds and weather. 

The Otago Central Interplanetary Cycle Trail was another true photo opportunity bonus. We sure did have fun with the shadow on this one eh Becky. Not quite on target but a lot of fun nevertheless. 

From Auripo we continued on down the Poolburn gorge, through the two tunnels, continuing into the Ida Valley and over the Poolburn viaduct. 

I can't say that I enjoyed cycling over the viaducts, but they are pretty stunning. 

I remembered a head torch this time so the tunnels were no challenge at all. 

All too soon we were at Lauder and it was time for a delicious toasted sandwich for lunch. A few photos in the town and we were off on the final leg for the day. 

A short sharp ride down the slope and we arrived at Omakau, our destination for the night. 

 

 We were very pleasantly surprised with our accomodation for the night at Omakau Hotel. 

A delicious soak in the bath in the setting sun was an added bonus. And so ends the chapter of day one of biking. More to come, including the night tour of Ophir and dinner at Pitches store. Check back tomorrow for the next instalment....